The Westminster Confession of Faith, 19.7

None of these uses of the law are contrary to the grace of the gospel. They rather beautifully comply with it, because the Spirit of Christ subdues and enables the will of man to do voluntarily and cheerfully what the will of God, revealed in the law, requires to be done.

The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to make us willing and able to obey the Law of God (Ezek. 36.26, 27). If you are a believer, you have the Spirit of God (Gal. 4.4-6), and if you have the Spirit of God you are learning to love and obey the Law of God, for this is why the Holy Spirit has been given. Working with the Law of God, the Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn. 16.8-11): He shows us what sin is, He points us in the direction of righteousness, and He warns of judgment if we refuse to obey. Then, having made us willing, He actually empowers us to obey the Law (Phil. 2.12, 13), so that, each time we find ourselves in compliance with God’s Law, and enjoying the blessings that come with that compliance, we can thank the Spirit for His faithful work within us. Do you have the Spirit of Christ?

Read Ezekiel 36.26, 27: Why does God give us His Spirit? What should we expect as the Spirit comes to dwell within us? What should we conclude if we have no zeal for the Law or for obeying it?

Psalm 19.7-14 Tune: St. Christopher – “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”

vv. 7, 8
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure;
The simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts;
He makes our eyes to understand; with joy He fills our hearts.

vv. 9-11
The fear of God is cleansing, forever shall it last.
His judgments all are true and just, by righteousness held fast.
O seek them more than gold most fine, than honey find them sweet;
Be warned by every word and line; be blest with joy complete.

vv. 12-14
Who, Lord, can know his errors? O keep sin far from me!
Let evil rule not in my soul that I may blameless be.
O let my thoughts, let all my words, before Your glorious sight
Be pleasing to You, gracious Lord, acceptable and right!

From The Ailbe Psalter (Knoxville: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006).

Be first to comment this article

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved